Smart metering is the deployment of energy, water, gas, or heat meters with built-in communications, replacing manual meter reading with automatic data collection. Consumption data flows from the meter to the supplier (and often to the consumer in real-time), enabling accurate billing, demand-side management, and the operational infrastructure for net-zero programmes.

In short: UK smart meters fall into two broad categories. Domestic SMETS1 and SMETS2 meters use the Data Communications Company (DCC) wide-area network, with cellular and long-range radio backhaul. Industrial and commercial (I&C) smart meters typically use cellular IoT connectivity directly: NB-IoT or LTE-M for low-data, long-life deployments; 4G LTE Cat 1 or Cat 4 for higher-data sub-metering and energy management systems. Lifetime expectations are long: 10 to 15 years is typical, with some installations expected to run for 20 years.

Long deployment lifetimes shape technology selection. A meter installed today needs to outlast at least one cellular generation transition. The UK 3G shutdown is now substantially complete, the 2G shutdown is scheduled through to 2033, and 4G itself will eventually be replaced. Meters need to be specified on technologies with secured longevity: LTE-M and NB-IoT have committed long-term support, 4G LTE remains in active use, and 5G RedCap is positioning as the next-generation IoT bearer.

Connectivity for smart metering also needs careful security architecture. Meters are deployed in domestic and commercial premises that the supplier does not control, and they handle billing-grade data. Private APN, IMEI lock, eSIM with eUICC remote profile management, and centralised SIM management are all common requirements for utility-grade deployments.